Source of this article and featured image is Wired Science. Description and key fact are generated by Codevision AI system.
NASA has officially confirmed that 3I/ATLAS is an interstellar comet, dismissing speculation about alien origins. The agency held a press conference to share images and data from multiple missions, revealing insights into the object’s composition and trajectory. Scientists analyzed observations from satellites like Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and SOHO, emphasizing the comet’s journey through space. The data, made publicly available, highlights the collaborative efforts of NASA and other space agencies. This clarification addresses internet rumors while advancing our understanding of interstellar objects.
Key facts
- NASA confirmed 3I/ATLAS is an interstellar comet, not of alien origin.
- Data from Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, MAVEN, and SOHO satellites provided critical insights.
- The comet will pass Earth at a safe distance of 267 million kilometers on December 19, 2025.
- Observations from the STEREO and PUNCH missions revealed its shape and tail structure.
- All collected data will be publicly accessible for further research.
